Former Royals and Reading businesses raise thousands for Launchpad

Members of Reading FC Former Players' Association presenting Launchpad staff with a cheque for £6,433

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Reading FC Former Players' Association and several businesses have raised more than £20,000 for Launchpad to support vulnerable people and tackle homelessness in Reading.

The charity, which helps disadvantaged and vulnerable people around the town, welcomed all of the donations which were made in January.

The former players association raised £6,433 over the course of the 2014/15 season by holding several events, including a five-a-side football tournament and fish a chips supper evenings.

The group also hosted a fundraising reunion dinner for the players who won 1993/94 Football League Second Division and trustee David Woolford raised £1,800 by running the London Marathon.

Amanda Rose, Launchpad Marketing Manager said ‘What a great season it’s been with a brilliant amount raised.

"We’ve enjoyed having the support of Reading FC Former Players’ Association and all the events they’ve put on for us’."

Charles Hunter Associates also scrapped together a sizeable sum, the Reading-based recruitment agency chose Launchpad as its first charity of the year and raised a total of £2,280.20.

Staff raised the funds by running the Reading Half Marathon, taking part in Launchpad's Big Sleep Out and Pancake Race and helping with bucket collections in The Oracle.

Miss Rose said: "Our year of support from Charles Hunter has been fantastic, they’ve thrown themselves in whole heartedly into our fundraising events, even winning best Fancy Dress in their Wizard of Oz costumes in the Pancake Race.

"The money raised will make a difference and help us prevent homelessness in Reading.”

Amec Foster Wheeler's sports and social club also made Launchpad its charity of the year in 2015 and raised more than £8,000 by hosting book clubs, office collections and merchandise sales.

Two stores in Reading made a significant contribution as well, Fat Face in Broad Street donated 10 per cent of its Black Friday profits (£889.77) to Launchpad, while John Lewis sent a cheque for £950.

Members of small art studio in Mapledurham called JoeDaisy Studio contributed £270 by selling some of their paintings.